The Traumatic Loss Workbook - by Jennifer R Levin (Paperback)

About the Book

The unexpected or sudden death of a loved one is beyond devastating, and can leave those impacted in a state of shock, trauma, and inability to cope. This gentle workbook utilizes an integrative approach drawing on dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), emotional regulation skills, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and narrative therapy to support readers through the grief process, so they can move forward after the sudden or unexpected death of a loved one.

Book Synopsis

A powerful, compassionate guide to finding solace when you've lost someone unexpectedly.

The unexpected death of a loved one is a traumatic, life-altering experience. If you've experienced a sudden loss, your life becomes instantly unrecognizable. In addition to the overwhelming shock, pain, sadness, and grief, you may now feel unsafe in the world, out of control, or unable to carry out basic daily tasks. Most people do not understand what it is like to have a loved one die suddenly or unexpectedly, so it can be challenging to get the support you need. But you are not alone. This gentle workbook can help guide you toward a place of healing and solace.

The Traumatic Loss Workbook offers an integrative approach drawing on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), emotional regulation skills, mindfulness techniques, and narrative therapy to support you through the grief process, so you can move forward after the sudden or unexpected death of a loved one. You'll also discover strategies for dealing with sudden "grief attacks," and learn how to navigate common emotional triggers such as holidays, birthdays, or anniversaries. Finally, you'll discover skills to help you cope with the deeply emotional and traumatic aspects of your grief--now and in the future.

Death is a natural part of life, but we never expect someone we love to die suddenly or unexpectedly. This workbook will give you the tools you need to process, cope, and move toward healing while making space for your grief, so that you can create a meaningful life within the context of your loss.

Review Quotes

"A beautiful and important guide for anyone who has experienced sudden loss, The Traumatic Loss Workbook is full of practical guidance and comfort, walking grievers through what's most helpful immediately and over time. I'll be gifting this book on repeat."
--Tina Payne Bryson, PhD, New York Times bestselling coauthor of The Whole-Brain Child, and founder of The Center for Connection--Tina Payne Bryson, PhD

"Countless counselors offer bereavement support as part of their services, but very few have the specialized skills and extensive experience to offer guidance to those whose lives have been shattered by the suicide, homicide, fatal accident, or other tragic death of a loved one. This is what makes Jennifer Levin's remarkable workbook such a welcome companion on the healing journey through traumatic loss. With clarity and compassion grounded in decades of collaboration with survivors, she offers wise counsel and practical steps to soothe a troubled spirit, learn the lessons of loss, and reconstruct life in the wake of profound decimation. I literally will recommend it to every client I serve who stands in the shadow of such loss, looking for a light to guide them toward a life that again has meaning."
--Robert A. Neimeyer, PhD, director of the Portland Institute for Loss and Transition, and author of Living Beyond Loss--Robert A. Neimeyer, PhD

"Jennifer Levin and this book literally saved my life. Distinguishing between trauma and grief was the high point of the book. The exercises allowed me to process trauma and arrive at a place where I could grieve. The workbook format is genius. It enabled me to do the exercises I could handle, and save the painful ones for later. This book is a tool for untangling yourself."
--Prudence Fenton, award-winning creative visualist; and founder of the Willis, Wonderland Foundation which educates the songwriters of the next generation--Prudence Fenton

"Jennifer Levin's The Traumatic Loss Workbook reads like you suddenly have a needed, wise, support coach--quietly guiding you toward more healing. Jennifer writes with authority and a pragmatic, purposeful approach. She takes the multifaceted complexity of traumatic grief and guides the reader with clear explanations and helpful workbook exercises. What makes the workbook even more unique is she writes it with a warmth and compassion that safely guides the reader in their grief healing journey. I wish I had had this book when I suffered my traumatic grief losses, yet even now, years later, I got tremendous benefit from reading it."
--Kim Cantin, speaker/author, mudslide survivor, and author of Where Yellow Flowers Bloom--Kim Cantin

"Jennifer Levin's book genuinely and caringly expresses the dialectic of both acceptance and change for those confronted with sudden loss and traumatic grief. She offers a guide through the process that respects individual differences. This book will be helpful to those grieving, and to professionals working with traumatic grief."
--Patricia Gieselman, LMFT, director for Choices Counseling & Skills Center, specializing in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT); and DBT-Linehan Board of Certification-certified clinician--Patricia Gieselman, LMFT

"Jennifer Levin's book, The Traumatic Loss Workbook, promises to be extremely helpful in offering the reader a way to process and understand their response to sudden loss. Every page offers compassion, guidance, and information to support one through a very painful journey. I highly recommend it."
--Pamela D. Blair, PhD, coauthor of I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye and The Long Grief Journey--Pamela D. Blair, PhD

"Navigating a changed world after the sudden death of a loved one can be a lonely road with unexpected twists and turns. Jennifer Levin's workbook provides guidance and assurance: You are not alone. You can find your way through grief and uncertainty. The exercises are designed to assist and support you, with the wisdom of someone who has listened to, and learned from, the lives of many bereaved people."
--Donna Schuurman, EdD, senior director of advocacy and education, and executive director emeritus at the Dougy Center: The National Grief Center for Children & Families--Donna Schuurman, EdD

About the Author

Jennifer R. Levin, PhD, LMFT, specializes in traumatic grief, sudden or unexpected death, and trauma. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist, and a recognized fellow in thanatology. Her work includes crisis support after a sudden death for businesses, schools, and communities, and proactive planning for unexpected death to minimize the trauma and grief that occurs when unprepared. Levin is also host of the Untethered podcast.

Foreword writer Edward K. Rynearson, MD, is a clinical psychiatrist and researcher from Seattle, WA, where he served as clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Washington. His research focuses on the effects of violent death on family members. He has given national and international trainings on the management of the clinical effects of violent death--establishing an information network for providers, teachers, and researchers of traumatic grief after violent death.